Diagnosis of Gestational Diabetes

If you have a prior history of gestational diabetes or polycystic ovary syndrome, or a family history of diabetes, your doctor may recommend that you undergo glucose testing at your first prenatal visit. If your initial test is negative, you will be tested again later in your pregnancy.

If you are at an average risk of developing gestational diabetes, your doctor will do a screening test between 24-28 weeks of gestation.

There are different tests that can be used to diagnose gestational diabetes. These tests measure the level of glucose in your blood.

Glucose Challenge Test

The 50 gram glucose challenge test is usually done in the morning in your doctor’s office. You will drink a glucose drink that contains 50 grams of glucose. Your blood will be drawn 1 hour later.

Doctors use different screening tests and cutoff values to make a diagnosis. Generally, these values at 1 hour range from 130 mg/dL (7.2 mmol/L) to 140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L). If your blood glucose is abnormally high at 1 hour, you will need to take a 3-hour glucose tolerance test to comfirm the diagnosis.

Other Tests

In addition to the above screening tests, additional tests may include:

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

What I need to know about gestational diabetes. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website. Available at:https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/types/gestational#7. Updated August 2013. Accessed September 16, 2015.